Report Describes G2 IVC Filter Fracture After 6 Years

August 3, 2016 — Doctors at Baylor University have published a case report of a young woman who experienced severe complications when an IVC filter was left in her body for more than six years.

Thereport (PDF)describes a 29 year-old female who was implanted with a temporary G2 filter made by C.R. Bard.

During an unrelated CT scan, doctors discovered that two legs of the G2 filter had fractured. The filter was also tilted more than 15º and was perforating her vena cava. The patient underwent emergency surgery.

The vena cava carries a massive amount of blood, but its walls are remarkably thin. With every heartbeat, the vena cava flexes and squeezes the IVC filter. Over time, this can weaken the filter and cause it to fracture. The chances of a perforation also increase.

The researchers blamed her injuries on “foreshortening and flattening” of the vena cava, warning:

“Transmitted motion can ultimately result in one of two fracture modes: high-cycle metal fatigue secondary to accumulated damage and metal overload sustained from acute stress.”

There is no clear reason why the filter was implanted so long. She had no evidence of blood clots, could walk, and had only remote bleeding.

In May 2014, the FDA asked doctors to remove temporary IVC filters within 29-54 days if possible. The risk of complications increases the longer it remains implanted.

Unfortunately, retrieval rates for IVC filters remain low. In one study of filters placed from 2001-2006, only 73 out of 240 patients (30%) had the filter removed. Doctors were also unsuccessful in removing the filter in 25% of patients.

Do I have an IVC Filter Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting IVC filter induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Free Case Evaluation

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiff’s law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firms reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.

No matter what type of case you have, you may contact us with confidence by filling out the email contact form below or calling us directly by dialing toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 920-0753.

First Name*

Last name*

Email*

Phone*

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Case Description

Search the Site

Search for:

Below is a partial list of the awards and recognition that the attorneys / lawyers at our law firm have been awarded with, as well as a list of professional memberships.

Contact Us With Confidence

AV® Peer Review Rated Law Firm - An AV® certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment - a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. A lawyer must be admitted to the bar for 10 years or more to receive an AV® rating.